Bronze Lotus Leaf Ashtray

Handcrafted by Honma Takusai V, JP, c. 1920s.

Cast in the form of a lotus leaf, the surface mapped with radiating veins and a naturalistic irregular rim — a small frog perches at the edge, alert and still. Used as an ash tray, incense rest, or tea utensil holder, it belongs to the tradition of scholar's desk objects that asked functional items to also hold aesthetic weight. The Honma Takusai family of Sado Island were among the foremost bronze casters in Japan from the Edo period onward, distinguished for their mastery of lost-wax casting and their richly layered, multi-toned patinas. The piece comes with its original inscribed wooden storage box.

Sold individually.

Rare Vintage